Key Takeaways

• Hsquin (hydroxychloroquine) is approved for malaria and autoimmune diseases, not for COVID‑19.
• Antiviral alternatives such as Paxlovid, Molnupiravir, and Remdesivir have stronger clinical evidence against COVID‑19.
• Safety profiles differ: Hsquin can cause cardiac arrhythmia, while ivermectin’s main risk is neurotoxicity at high doses.
• Regulatory status matters - FDA and WHO endorse only a handful of antivirals for COVID‑19 treatment.
• Choosing a therapy should balance efficacy, side‑effects, drug interactions, and local approval.

When weighing treatment options, Hsquin is a brand name for hydroxychloroquine, a 4‑aminoquinoline originally created to fight malaria and later repurposed for autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The drug resurfaced in headlines during the early COVID‑19 pandemic, but scientific consensus now places it far behind newer antivirals. This guide lines up Hsquin against the most widely discussed alternatives, breaking down how each works, what the data say, and where they stand with regulators.

Why Hsquin Isn’t the First Choice for COVID‑19 Anymore

Hydroxychloroquine showed modest antiviral activity in isolated cell studies, yet large‑scale trials (RECOVERY, SOLIDARITY) found no mortality benefit for hospitalized patients. Its half‑life stretches beyond a month, leading to prolonged exposure and a higher chance of side‑effects such as QT‑prolongation, retinopathy, and hypoglycemia. Because the drug’s therapeutic window is narrow, clinicians now reserve it for proven indications - malaria prophylaxis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Alternative Treatments: The Current Contenders

The landscape of COVID‑19 therapeutics has shifted dramatically. Below are the eight most referenced alternatives, each introduced with schema markup for easy knowledge‑graph mapping.

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic approved for treating river blindness and strongyloidiasis. It gained off‑label attention during the pandemic, but well‑designed trials have not demonstrated consistent clinical benefit.

Remdesivir is a nucleotide analogue that inhibits viral RNA‑dependent RNA polymerase. The FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for hospitalized COVID‑19 patients, and later full approval for specific indications.

Doxycycline is a broad‑spectrum tetracycline antibiotic. Its anti‑inflammatory properties led to experimental combo regimens, yet robust data for monotherapy are lacking.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic often paired with hydroxychloroquine early in the pandemic. Subsequent studies show no added benefit and raise concerns about cardiac toxicity when combined.

Molnupiravir is an oral ribonucleoside analogue that induces lethal mutagenesis in SARS‑CoV‑2. Clinical trials reported about a 30% reduction in hospitalisation when given within five days of symptom onset.

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir+ritonavir) is a protease inhibitor combo that earned full FDA approval for early outpatient treatment, showing an 89% drop in hospitalisation risk.

Favipiravir is a viral RNA polymerase inhibitor used for influenza in Japan. It has been studied in several countries for COVID‑19, but results remain mixed and it lacks major regulatory endorsement outside of limited settings.

Side‑Effect Profiles: Safety First

Understanding adverse events is essential, especially for patients on multiple meds. Below is a quick safety snapshot:

• Hsquin (hydroxychloroquine): Cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation), retinal toxicity (vision changes after long‑term use), hypoglycemia, dermatologic reactions.
• Ivermectin: Neurological symptoms (tremor, seizures) at doses above approved levels, mild GI upset.
• Remdesivir: Elevated liver enzymes, infusion‑related hypersensitivity, possible kidney function impact.
• Doxycycline: Photosensitivity, esophageal irritation, altered gut flora.
• Azithromycin: QT prolongation (especially with other QT‑prolonging drugs), GI upset.
• Molnupiravir: Mild diarrhea, dizziness; theoretical mutagenic concerns, though not observed clinically.
• Paxlovid: Strong drug‑drug interactions via CYP3A inhibition, bitter taste, occasional liver enzyme rise.
• Favipiravir: Hyperuricemia, liver enzyme elevation, teratogenic potential.

Regulatory Landscape (2025)

Regulators worldwide have drawn clear lines around which drugs are acceptable for COVID‑19 therapy:

How to Choose the Right Option for You

Deciding which drug fits your situation hinges on three practical questions:

1. Am I early in the disease course? Oral antivirals (Paxlovid, Molnupiravir) work best within the first five days of symptoms.
2. Do I have contraindications or drug interactions? For example, Paxlovid’s ritonavir component can boost levels of many heart‑burn meds and statins, requiring dose adjustments.
3. What does my local health authority endorse? In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) follows FDA/EUA guidance, meaning Paxlovid and Remdesivir are the primary options.

If you’re managing a chronic autoimmune condition, continue your prescribed Hsquin under rheumatology supervision. For an acute COVID‑19 infection, shift to an approved antiviral as soon as you’re eligible.

Practical Tips for Clinicians and Patients

• Verify dosing schedules: Paxlovid requires a 5‑day course (300mg nirmatrelvir + 100mg ritonavir twice daily).
• Monitor cardiac health: Obtain a baseline ECG before prescribing Hsquin or Azithromycin, especially in patients with existing heart disease.
• Watch for drug-drug interactions: Use a trusted interaction checker when adding ritonavir‑boosted regimens.
• Educate patients on warning signs: palpitations, visual changes, or sudden shortness of breath should trigger immediate medical review.
• Document the indication clearly in the medical record to avoid off‑label liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps for Readers

If you’re a patient currently taking Hsquin for lupus, talk to your rheumatologist before stopping-it may take weeks for the drug to clear from your system. If you’ve just tested positive for COVID‑19 and are within five days of symptoms, contact your primary care provider about eligibility for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir.

Health professionals should review the latest TGA and CDC guidelines before prescribing, document the specific indication, and schedule follow‑up labs (electrolytes, liver function, ECG) as appropriate.

Staying informed and matching the right drug to the right scenario saves lives, reduces side‑effects, and keeps the healthcare system running smoothly.

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Written by callum wilson

I am Xander Sterling, a pharmaceutical expert with a passion for writing about medications, diseases and supplements. With years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, I strive to educate people on proper medication usage, supplement alternatives, and prevention of various illnesses. I bring a wealth of knowledge to my work and my writings provide accurate and up-to-date information. My primary goal is to empower readers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions on their health. Through my professional experience and personal commitment, I aspire to make a significant difference in the lives of many through my work in the field of medicine.